Here's why:
* The "u" is followed by a consonant "m" and then a vowel "e". In this situation, the "u" is usually pronounced as a short sound.
* The "e" at the end of the word is silent. This is a common pattern in English, where a final "e" often serves to lengthen the preceding vowel sound. However, in "amuse," the "e" doesn't change the sound of the "u".
Therefore, the correct pronunciation of "amuse" is with a short U sound, as in "a-muse".